You are here

The Freedom to ...

Anderson University nurtures an environment that welcomes a wide range of Christian denominations.

More than 75 religious denominations are represented on Anderson University's campus.

The freedom to enjoy.

As a reflection of its openness, Anderson's environment is welcoming, social, creative, and fun. A rich tradition of annual events and shared experiences — from Disco Dancing and Donuts to Smith and Dunn Hall Olympics — help build a strong sense of community.

As much as there exists the freedom to be cynical, our welcoming community liberates students, faculty, and staff to care for — and truly love — one another.

In 2011, Anderson University was presented the first Ignite Award from Salter McNeil & Associates in recognition of the growth created in promoting biblical reconciliation and intercultural competency on campus. The award was created to celebrate and recognize a campus that made significant progress in promoting racial reconciliation and ethnic diversity on campus.

The freedom to question.

Without the barriers of creedal association, Anderson invites scholars
to free and open inquiry about life's significant questions. This
openness welcomes and affords an uncharacteristically diverse and
broader worldview than most colleges and universities in the Wesleyan
tradition.

In 2010, Anderson University President Dr. James L. Edwards, along
with AU students, community pastors, and alumni, participated in a
discussion forum entitled, “Homosexuality and the Church,” through which
participants shared a wide range of viewpoints.

The freedom to serve.

For more than 45 years the Anderson community has been serving locally and globally through Tri-S (Study, Serve, Share). In that time, more than 17,000 students have served across six continents, 102 countries, and 27 states. It is estimated that students contribute more than 19,000 hours of volunteer service annually. That's 792 days of service each year. Not bad.

Operation Foundation — an entirely student-run, weeklong service project — brings physical restoration to the City of Anderson in order to unite its citizens and build up the body of Christ. Each year, more than 500 volunteers participate in Operation Foundation.

The freedom to pursue.

Anderson’s programs are designed to prepare students for more meaningful lives: intellectually, spiritually, and vocationally. We adhere to this mission across more than 60 undergraduate majors.

In 2010, Anderson University's Music Business Program was one of only six schools in the West region to be included in Billboard Magazine's guide to the nation's music business schools.

The freedom to succeed.

Ultimately, this climate for academic inquiry, mutual support, and understanding yields people of character who demonstrate and value integrity, excellence, servant-leadership, responsibility, and generosity.

In the five years since he graduated from Anderson University, Kyle Lacy has launched a successful marketing firm, authored two books — Twitter Marketing for Dummies (currently in its second edition) and Branding Yourself — and provided social media counseling and training for companies including Panasonic, ExactTarget, Ruth’s Chris restaurants, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The freedom to believe.

Anderson University is the flagship university of the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.). As a Christ-centered university, Jesus is the lens through which we view the world.

We welcome those who are seeking truth and challenge those on the journey.

The Anderson University Office of Spiritual Life sponsors Spiritual Emphasis Week once each semester to offer students and the community an opportunity to worship and study with an off-campus speaker. Past Spiritual Emphasis Week speakers have included Leonard Sweet, founder of Spirit Venture Ministries; Harvey Carey, founder and lead pastor of the Citadel of Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, Michigan; and Becky Tirabassi, an internationally renowned author and motivational speaker.